Robert Gayan charged with aggravated home repair fraud

MADISON COUNTY, Ill. (KSDK) - An East Alton, Illinois man has been charged with home repair fraud.

Police say they responded to a home in Cottage Hills Wednesday after receiving a fraud complaint.

Deputies spoke with the homeowners, who said a man contacted them on January 19 and said their roof needed repairs before rain caused further damage.

The man, identified as 40-year-old Robert M. Gayan, said he worked for the company that originally installed their roof in April.

The victims agreed to allow Gayan to make the repairs. The man climbed onto the roof and claimed 10 minutes later the repairs were complete.

Police say Gayan charged the victims $150. The victims then contacted the original licensed contractor, who said Gayan did not make the repairs and caused damage to the roof by not sealing nails he drove into vents on the roof.

Gayan was then charged with aggravated home repair fraud. The charges are enhanced because the victims are over the age of 60.